What are irregular periods?
The menstrual cycle of most women starts every 4 weeks, but normal menstruation can range from 3 to 5 weeks too. The period lasts for four to seven days. When the menstrual cycle becomes unpredictable and doesn’t occur on time, you are said to be suffering from irregular periods or menstruation.
The main factors which classify periods as irregular are listed below.
- Periods are less than 21 days apart.
- Periods are more than 35 days apart.
- Noticeably lighter or heavier flow than usual.
- Increased or decreased number of days for which the period lasts.
What causes irregular periods?
Several factors can be responsible for irregular periods. It is crucial to determine the cause accurately so that the most appropriate treatment method can be ascertained. Some common causes of irregular periods are listed below.
- Polycystic Ovaries Syndrome: Under normal circumstances, the ovaries release an egg every 4 weeks. But in women who suffer from PCOS, the levels of testosterone are higher, and this gets in the way of the ovaries in releasing an egg. This causes a change in the menstrual cycle.
- Hormonal birth control: Hormone-containing intrauterine devices and hormonal birth control pills can trigger irregular bleeding. Hormonal birth control pills may cause spotting between the periods and may result in lighter periods. IUDs of hormonal nature can cause heavy bleeding.
- Abnormalities with the thyroid: Hormone-containing intrauterine devices and hormonal birth control pills can trigger irregular bleeding. Hormonal birth control pills may cause spotting between the periods and may result in lighter periods. IUDs of hormonal nature can cause heavy bleeding.
- Endometriosis: Endometriosis has a significant impact on the length of a woman’s menstrual cycle as well as on the bleeding. Since endometriosis causes the body to shed more tissue, the periods may last longer. The cycle can also become shorter with menstruation beginning a few weeks sooner than four weeks.
- Breastfeeding: It takes a while to get back to the normal menstrual cycle after pregnancy and childbirth. If you are a lactating mother, you’ll get your period much later than usual. This happens because prolactin wards off ovulation. Menstruation may take weeks or even months to get back to normal.
- Emotional stress: Several studies prove that high levels of emotional stress are related to irregular periods. While this does not cause long-term problems with your periods, it may cause them to stop or change for a while.
Apart from these, uterine fibroids, lifestyle changes, changes in medication, or their withdrawal can also be potential reasons for irregular periods.
Symptoms of irregular periods
Although signs and symptoms of irregular periods may vary from one woman to another, there are some which are commonly seen in almost every woman suffering from this issue. Some such symptoms of irregular periods are listed as follows.
- Absence of periods for three or more consecutive months.
- Periods continuing for more than 7 days.
- An intense feeling of nausea in periods.
- Intense chronic pain and abdominal cramps.
- Menstrual cycle occurring less than 21 days or more than 35 days apart.
How are irregular periods diagnosed?
In the process of diagnosis, the patient is asked about her medical history and her menstrual cycle. A physical examination is involved which includes a pap test and a pelvic exam.
- Depending on the situation some other tests may be suggested by the doctor.
- Blood tests can be recommended to rule out medical disorders and anemia.
- A pelvic ultrasound may be performed to look for uterine polyps, ovarian or uterine cysts, or fibroids.
- An endometrial biopsy can be suggested to rule out the presence of any cancerous cells.
- Vaginal cultures can be performed to check the presence of any infections.
How are abnormal periods treated?
In some cases, there may be no need for proper treatment for irregular periods. There are some things which can be done by a woman herself to help treat this issue. These can include:
- Changes in birth control
- Changes in lifestyle
- Prescribed hormone therapy
- Healthy diet and exercise
- Yoga
However, it should be noted here that these methods are not a sure shot cure for irregular periods, and they may not be effective for some women.
Surgical treatment for irregular periods in Bangalore: Hysterectomy
In some cases, there may be no need for proper treatment for irregular periods. There are some things which can be done by a woman herself to help treat this issue. These can include changes in birth control, lifestyle, or trying out prescribed hormonal therapy.
However, it should be noted here that these methods are not a sure shot cure for irregular periods, and they may not be effective for some women. After getting a hysterectomy in Bangalore, irregular periods are treated once and for all, as they uproot the underlying causes of it, like PCOS, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, etc. It should be kept in mind that after getting a hysterectomy, a woman will not be able to conceive in the future. That is why a hysterectomy is suggested by doctors when all other alternatives are exhausted.
Undergoing a hysterectomy is a major decision. It will surely help you get rid of irregular periods and their symptoms, but it causes other changes in your body too. That is why make sure you talk to a doctor before deciding your treatment alternative. Book an appointment with Pristyn Care today, and with the help of expert insight of the doctors there, make an informed, appropriate decision.